"Thank you" was the simple response from retired Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) senior official Mohamad Ramli Abdul Manan to overwhelming support and accolades that he has received over the last two weeks.

From someone who prefer to shun the limelight, Ramli has made headlines since Feb 26 after a corruption watchdog revealed the contents of a report he had written against his ACA director-general Zulkipli Mat Noor.

The report contains several explosive allegations ranging from corruption to sexual assault against Zulkipli, which he has denied. A police investigation is currently underway.

Ramli, 56, has also initiated a legal suit against six parties to seek compensation and damages on grounds of alleged "libel, slander, malicious prosecution and reckless falsehood" and to claim back-pay.

This prompted a malaysiakini reader to suggest in a letter to the editor that a legal fund should be set up to support Ramli's cause.

There was an instant response as other readers pledged some RM1,000 in donations over the past two days if the fund is created.

Issue triggers discussion

When contacted, Ramli said he was glad to see so much support, but politely declined the offer of monetary assistance.

"I thank them very much, I value their support but (cannot agree to the) setting up of a special fund for me.

"It isn't that I don't want to accept (help), but I don't think it would be proper since this is my personal action against (the relevant parties)," the soft-spoken Ramli said.

"My lawyers who are helping me with the case understand my situation. They have not asked me to pay them now. They told me I can pay them if and when I win the case and get back my money."

On the money pledged to date, Ramli said readers could consider other initiatives to support the campaign against corruption, adding that he was happy to see that the issue has triggered greater discussion.

Among those who responded to the proposal was 'Arif', who said: "I think this is a good idea to set up a legal fund for Ramli as it will send a strong signal that the rakyat supports the effort to bring (out in) the open the abuse of power and corruption.

"The likes of Ramli are few but with our show of support, this will encourage others to come forward."

Another reader 'BOLH' wrote: "I am more than happy to chip in my share of RM50 towards such as worthy cause. It's time we put words into actions to rid this nation of this scourge."